I feel so let down by my dentist, diagnosed with severe periodontitis

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2 years or so ago my gums started to bleed when I brushed my teeth, not every time and not a great amount but bled nevertheless. I had a lot of sensitivity around one area in particular and thought there might be a problem with the tooth.

My dentist wasn't concerned about it, said the tooth is fine and assured me that most peoples gums bleed at some point or other.

I've had a handful of dentist appointments since then and on two of them X-rays were taken (I needed a filling, and wanted to replace an old silver filling with a white one)

No mention of periodontitis/gum disease.

Regardless, I mentioned wanting to see a hygienist to my dentist as I had a little stain on my front tooth (i was a big tea drinker). I was told that I don't 'need' to see a hygienist because he (dentist) can do all of that. It turns out my practice doesn't actually employ a hygienist. The dentist did a superficial polish on one occasion.

Still no mention of periodontitis.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago the bleeding has ramped up and upon close inspection I can see there is obvious receding of the gum line. I started researching and drew the conclusion that I might have periodontitis. I looked into what I needed to do to manage it, bought an electrical tooth brush, water pik and learned about interdental brushes. After implementing the new routine for 2ish weeks black triangles started to appear between my teeth! I now understand that this is because the inflammation is reducing.

I booked an appointment to see the dentist and said I'm concerned that I have this condition. Only then does he tell me that yes it looks like periodontitis but not to worry as it's treatable and in my case very mild.

I was gutted, but he said he would refer me to see a periodontist.

I saw that periodontist today. I have severe periodontitis that has advanced to bone loss and I would have had this condition for years slowly getting worse. News to me!

If I'd have known, I would have without a shadow of a doubt gone private to have deep cleans and preventative treatments. I'd have started using the interdental brushes, made more of an effort with flossing, bought the water pik much earlier etc.

The periodontist thinks genetics are a factor in my case due to my age and the fact my dental hygiene is reasonably good, although I do admit I haven't always been great with flossing.

I will now be having two deep, deep cleans under the gum line to try and shrink the pockets but have been warned that due to the bone loss - I'm going to be left with sizable gaps between all of my teeth 😔

I asked if my dentist will have known I have this and she said yes, of course he would.

So why remove a superficial stain whilst telling me I don't need to see a hygienist, when you know I have sodding periodontitis and that was exactly what I needed to do.

Why not advise me how I could manage my condition myself? Why was it me, the patient, having to diagnose myself and read up about what I can do to help myself.

I'm devastated and feel like he has completely failed me. If the funding isn't there to treat perio on the NHS then ok, but jesus christ atleast tell me that I have the disease so I can make an informed decision on how to proceed. I would have found the money somehow and could have stopped it progressing this badly.

AIBU to say he has completely failed me?

Thank you all for the advice it is much appreciated, and the stories of people being able to stabilise things are really encouraging.

I'm cleaning meticulously twice a day for up to 15 minutes at a time (using a water pik and getting in between every nook and cranny with interdental brushes)

I've got the coconut oil now too and will be starting with that today.

Gengigel should be with me any day now, ordered online. I assume the Gengigel should be the last thing I use so it stays on the gums for as long as possible?

I forgot to add, I'm flossing after every meal too.

PP asked about diabetes and my weight loss journey - I'm not diabetic fortunately. I was two stones overweight but am almost at BMI 25 now and feeling so much better for it.

Hi all

I need some perspective please!

So following on from this thread, I found a private hygienist to do a basic clean whilst I wait for the periodontist to do the full one.

So when I saw the hygienist for this scale and polish she pointed out that I have two cavities behind teeth and said that I needed to go back to my dentist to have them sorted.

Here's the thing;

I'd been having a lot of sensitivity from an upper canine which I told my dentist about when I was last there. I specifically asked him whether there was a hole in that exact tooth as it sure felt like there was, but I couldn't see, with it being at the back. He told me unequivocally NO there was no hole.

There is absolutely no way that this was just another 'miss' is there? He would have absolutely known about the gum disease and cavities.

I just want to be sure because I feel completely gaslighted by this man. He clearly has contempt for his NHS patients and gives not a single shit about us if he can't make £££ from it.

I know it's his job and of course he wants to be paid, he isn't working for free, but he still has a duty of care right?

I've sent an email to the dental practice addressed to him informing him of the hygienists findings. I wrote that as he didn't identify or propose treatment during my recent check up can I assume he isn't prepared to treat it as I'd rather not waste both of our time by making an appointment if that's the case. I have asked for his response in writing.

I'm definitely going to the GDC now without a shadow of a doubt.

Did the specialist periodontist not detect the 2 carious lesions OP?
I'd just advise caution here OP as hygienists can't definitively diagnose. Either way, I'd recommend registering elsewhere with another general dentist. The trust has gone. Either private or NHS, the best way is to ask for recommendations from people you trust. Good luck.

I have friends who are Romanians and they go back regularly to Romania to get dental treatments.

So were these cavities missed by the periodontist who treated you as well?